Buying a Home For Sale By Owner Loft

6 Oct 2017 · by Virtual Results PubSub

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Lofts are just that – Lofts that are being sold without the assistance of a real estate agent. As a buyer, you may be wondering about buying a FSBO Loft, especially if you’re working with an agent. While there are certain risks and challenges you may face, a Loft that is FSBO can be a good opportunity. Here’s what you should know.

The buyer can use an agent

Even though the seller is not using an agent for the transaction, it does not prevent the buyer from using one. However, it does mean that the seller needs to agree to cooperate with your agent. Agents make a living from the commissions they receive. In order for them to earn a commission from a FSBO transaction, the seller needs to agree to pay their commission, or to apply a credit at closing so the buyer can pay the fee.

You should still get a mortgage pre-approval

Even though you and your agent will be dealing directly with the seller, you will still want to obtain a mortgage pre-approval letter before making an offer. Although a seller is likely more inexperienced about the process than an agent would be, it can still signal to them that you are serious about buying their Loft. In a busy market, this is especially true, as the sellers may get more than one offer.

Be sure to include contingencies

When writing up the purchase contract for the Loft, make sure you include any necessary contingencies. You want to make sure that you legally have a way out of the deal if the Loft doesn’t live up to your expectations. Contingencies you’ll want to consider including are:

Appraisal

Mortgage approval

Inspection

Clean title

Insurability

Decide who pays for what

There are additional fees associated with buying and selling property, and you will want to make clear from the beginning which party is paying for what. Ask your agent for advice on who would customarily pay for these fees.

Don’t skip the Loft inspection

When buying a FSBO Loft, you definitely do not want to skip the inspection. Make sure to hire a reputable Loft inspector. Even if the seller is honest, they still may not know all the hidden problems in the Loft.

Use an escrow account

In a typical real estate transaction where both parties are represented by agents, earnest money and other fees are deposited into an escrow account that is held by a neutral third party until closing. Do not hand your earnest money deposit directly to the seller. There is usually a small fee associated with opening an escrow account, and it should be decided beforehand who will pay for that.